Redeemer Church of Oklahoma City

When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb. The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau’s heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. –Genesis 25:24-26

It looks like the descriptions of these twins make fun of them. First you have a hairy monster. This hairy guy’s name in Hebrew sounds like Seir, the place he ends up living—outside the Promised Land, no doubt. His beast-like nature, not unlike Ishmael’s (a “wild donkey of a man,” Gen. 16:12) is no compliment. The prophecy of his life to come is one of opposing the covenant of blessing God has promised. We see this all the way up to the birth of Jesus. Jesus is cruelly opposed by Herod, who is Esau’s descendant.

Besides the hairy monster, we also have the heel-grabber. But that’s not all his name is. Its etymology is an abbreviated phrase meaning “El (God) protects”. Several commentators mention that this is a common Semitic name. And God does protect him from himself and everybody else, especially Esau. Most of us are more familiar with the other aspect of his name. His self-reliant and self-justifying efforts sully the honorable “God protects” name with his deceit. Thus the pun of his name as one who “seizes by the heel, or goes behind someone to betray.”

Jacob, like all believers, is at the same time saint and sinner (simul justus et peccator). He is at the same time chosen/protected by God and the deceitful betrayer. Jesus says to his disciples in John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you…” He chose betrayers like Jacob. This is because he has mercy on whom he has mercy, for “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that pleases him” (Psalm 115:3). The sovereignty of God’s choice does not depend upon him who wills or runs, but upon God who has mercy and offers hope to sinners.

And that’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in the supper with Jesus this Sunday.

The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners

Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (in Galatians) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15. 

Visitors are always welcome!